Sharks FAQ

I just completed registration for the Fall Season. What's next?

Once registration has closed, the coaching director will work to split all divisions into evaluation groups based on skill level. Once these groups have been finalized, they will be posted on the website under Evals. This will be your group assignment for Day 1. After each group evaluates for Day 1, the coaching director and evaluators meet to determine if any players should move to a different group. Once those changes are made, group assignments are updated for Day 2 under Evals on the website. This will continue until all evaluation days are complete.

What is the difference for House vs Travel for 10U - 12U?

Are there costs to families beyond the initial registration fee?

Each team (8U through 14U) is required to donate a silent auction basket valued at $50 or more for the Shark fundraiser in February. The cost is divided equally among all skaters.

Every 8U - 14U player is required to purchase game jerseys.

Every team has a kitty fund. This is money used to pay for Jamborees/Tournaments, locker room deposits, team purchases, etc. Kitty fund for 6U/8U players is approx. $100 - $150/player. Kitty fund for 10U - 14U is approx. $300 - $500/player. Kitty funds can be higher depending on how many Jamborees/Tournaments a team decides to attend.

What other club obligations does each family have? 

During registration, each family is required to purchase $100 worth of raffle tickets for the Shark Fundraiser (10 tickets at $10 each).

At evaluations, each family is to pay a $250 volunteer deposit. If you complete the 4 hr volunteer requirement, your $250 check will be shredded.

Families are also given the option to buyout of their volunteer requirement for $95.

What payment opportunities exist to offer families options to cover expenses? 

The Club offers flexible payment opportunities.

Does the club provide the same equipment for players as was provided in HIP/Learn to Play? 

Once a player registers for a team, each family is responsible for providing their own player’s equipment. This includes a helmet (black), pants (black), neck guard, elbow pads, shoulder pads, shin pads, skates, mouth guard (no clear or white), stick, athletic supporter with cup, and gloves.

How much ice time can I anticipate my player having? 

6U/8U an average of 2 hours per week.

10U/12U House an average of 1-2 hours per week.

10U/12U Travel and 14U an average of 2-3 hours per week.

16U/18U varies as there are limited practices and mostly games.

How many games can I anticipate my player having? 

This varies by age and skill level.  At 6U/8U many in-house games will be played and teams will also host other clubs several times per month.  Teams will go to other local clubs from time to time.

At 10U and above teams participate in the MO Hockey league and are assigned divisions based upon team skill. The number of games varies, but typically will be around 12-16, depending on the number of teams.

How will playing time be dispersed among the players? 

Players get equal ice time. Shifts are rotated and players change lines at designated intervals.

If I am interested in coaching my player’s team, what do I do?

Submit a coaching application (available on the MHC website).  Attend a certified coaching clinic through USA hockey.  The coaching director will review all applications and assign head coaches.  Each head coach may select their own assistant coaches provided they have passed an appropriate clinic and age specific online module.

If I am interested in being a coordinator, what do I do?

Please email - Coordinatordirector@meramecsharks.com

Are there opportunities to assist my player’s team or the club itself beyond coaching or serving as a coordinator?

Yes – many opportunities exist such as score keeper, time keeper, assistance with ice setup, etc.

American Development Model for youth hockey consists of small area practices and small area games (half or cross ice).  The playing surface concept of the program is similar to small fields in baseball, football, soccer, etc. The ADM is not solely geared toward 6U and 8U and will grow with your player throughout his / her hockey career.  The majority of this page is focused on new players and the introduction to the ADM. https://www.admkids.com/

What are the benefits of ADM? 

Players develop quicker reaction times and decision making abilities due to the compressed playing surface.  The small area games create a quicker and more agile athlete.  By creating a smaller playing surface, all players have more puck touches and more chances to score (an added benefit is inclusion of all players at all times).  These changes lead to maximum fun!

What will my player experience at an ADM practice?

A station based approach with an equal mix of skating, stick handling, shooting, races, and agility based drills.  Fun games are also a major point of emphasis in practice.  These games are done with tennis balls, rings, soccer balls, foot balls, etc.

As a parent, what should I expect to see at an ADM practice?

Parents will notice a tremendous amount of movement out of their player.  At first glance the practices will seem very busy, but after becoming accustomed to the format parents will be able to follow their players’ progression.  Additionally parents will notice the lack of “standing around time” versus traditional practices.  Nearly every player comes off the ice with a big smile and drenched with sweat!

Will my player only work with his coach and team?

No – each player will work with his / her own team at varying intervals throughout the season.  The ADM allows players to experience many coaches throughout giving them a better base of knowledge.  Additionally, the entire program will get better at one time as a result.  In addition, each coach improves by working with other more experienced coaches.

Will ADM develop all aspects of my player’s skills?

As with any practice, the player will develop based on their own drive and determination.  The ADM puts each player in a position for success in relation to their development.  A dedicated player will expect to see rapid improvement primarily in stick handling, agility, short burst speed, quick shooting, and passing.

Who plays on the 6U ADM teams? How are 6U ADM teams determined?

All players will be evaluated in a similar manner to older children. The talent level of player’s will be evenly distributed to make 6U ADM teams as balanced as possible.

Who plays on the 8U ADM teams? How are 8U ADM teams determined?

All players will be evaluated.  8U has three levels of teams – Red, White, Blue (Red being most advanced in skill development). After evaluations, players will be assigned to a respective team.

Are there designated goalies for 6U ADM teams? 

6U is designed to develop all aspects of a player’s skills. It is the desire of MHC to give every player the opportunity to play goaltender. Players who would like to play goalie for one or more games can communicate that desire to their respective coach. Players who desire to play goal will have the opportunity but will continue to “play out” at regular intervals.

Are there designated goalies for 8U ADM teams?

Yes, though a goalie will be given the opportunity to “play out” from time to time.

If my child wants to play goalie on an ADM team, will equipment be provided?

Yes – each coach will have the appropriate equipment for goalie, though if your player is much bigger or smaller than the equipment allows you must provide your own.

Does ADM have referees?

Sometimes depending on age level, in house versus other club games, tournaments, etc.

Are there penalties called in ADM games? 

Rarely. If a coach witnesses a significant penalty, the player will get a penalty shot. The player getting called for the penalty will receive redirection by the coaches and will not sit in the penalty box.

Are there tournaments in ADM?  If so, is this an extra cost? 

ADM encourages Jamborees. Most Jamborees consist of 4 – 30 minute games at local rinks. Though this is extra, cost is typically around $20 per player.